2014 MLB Awards: Early Predictions of NL Silver Slugger Award Winners

Early-Season NL Silver Slugger Predictions

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We are just over a month into the 2014 MLB season and it's already time to start looking at postseason award races. No, I am not kidding. Let's take a look at the National League Silver Slugger contenders at each position. You could potentially re-name this Silver Slugger lineup "The Colorado Rockies and some other guys."

Pitcher: Adam Wainwright, St. Louis Cardinals

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Pitcher: Adam Wainwright, St. Louis Cardinals

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Pitchers aren't exactly the easiest to predict when it comes to Silver Slugger awards, but this choice was relatively easy as Adam Wainwright has the most hits of any pitcher in baseball.

2014 Stats: .400 AVG, 0 HR, 2 RBI, 4 Runs, .429 OBP in 20 at-bats

First Base: Justin Morneau, Colorado Rockies

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First Base: Justin Morneau, Colorado Rockies

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Justin Morneau is having a heck of a comeback year and there is no doubt that he will be one of the top comeback players of 2014. No, folks, Morneau's career is not over yet.

2014 Stats: .331 AVG, 7 HR, 26 RBI, 18 Runs, .350 OBP

Second Base: Chase Utley, Philadelphia Phillies

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Second Base: Chase Utley, Philadelphia Phillies

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Chase Utley is another guy who is coming back from somewhat of a drop-off since 2010. He hasn't hit over .300 since 2007 and this might be the year he ends that lengthy drought.

2014 Stats: .325 AVG, 3 HR, 16 RBI, 17 Runs, .379 OBP

Third Base: Nolan Arenado, Colorado Rockies

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Third Base: Nolan Arenado, Colorado Rockies

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Arenado is the second of a handful of Rockies on this list. The second-year third baseman is one of the best young infielders in baseball and could be a possible MVP candidate as well as a Silver Slugger contender.

2014 Stats: .322 AVG, 6 HR, 26 RBI, 21 Runs, 1 SB, .344 OBP

Shortstop: Troy Tulowitzki, Colorado Rockies

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Shortstop: Troy Tulowitzki, Colorado Rockies

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Troy Tulowitzki might take home the MVP crown this season as well as a Silver Slugger. As the only guy with enough at-bats to hit over .400 through a month of play this season, Tulowitzki has been pretty scary.

2014 Stats: .407 AVG, 9 HR, 31 RBI, 34 Runs, .510 OBP

Catcher: Yadier Molina, St. Louis Cardinals

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Catcher: Yadier Molina, St. Louis Cardinals

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Yadier Molina is the best catcher in the NL and I don't think there's any question about that. If someone does end up surpassing the reigning Silver Slugger winner, I would be as shocked as anyone.

2014 Stats: .310 AVG, 4 HR, 17 RBI, 13 Runs, .338 OBP

Outfielder 1: Andrew McCutchen, Pittsburgh Pirates

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Outfielder 1: Andrew McCutchen, Pittsburgh Pirates

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While the Pirates may not be one of the best teams in baseball through the first month, Andrew McCutchen has had quite the opposite luck. The reigning MVP is doing his best to keep the Pirates from sinking to a point of no return.

2014 Stats: .321 AVG, 4 HR, 18 RBI, 19 Runs, 4 SB, .431 OBP

Outfielder 2: Giancarlo Stanton, Miami Marlins

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Outfielder 2: Giancarlo Stanton, Miami Marlins

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Giancarlo Stanton is probably the best outfielder in the entire league right now, but his average has dropped under .300 recently. Although his average is a bit under .300, his numbers are incredible and the fact that the Marlins are in first place in the NL East is pretty impressive.

2014 Stats: 294 AVG, 11 HR, 40 RBI, 26 Runs, 3 SB, .385 OBP

Outfielder 3: Charlie Blackmon, Colorado Rockies

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Outfielder 3: Charlie Blackmon, Colorado Rockies

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Charlie Blackmon rounds out the list of Silver Sluggers and he becomes the fourth Rockies player to be named. This may not hold up because he wasn't necessarily a big name before this season, but if he keeps his current pace, it'll be a scary sight in Colorado.

2014 Stats: .348 AVG, 7 HR, 25 RBI, 30 Runs, 8 SB, .385 OBP

Connor Muldowney is the Content Associate for RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Connormuldowney, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google. You can also reach him at connor.muldowney@rantsports.com.